The three-year, $15 million grant program intends to increase student academic achievement, attendance and high school graduation rates, and college and career readiness in about 60 turnaround schools.

“Turning around our nation's lowest-performing schools is challenging work that requires everyone to play a part – from teachers, administrators, and counselors to business leaders, the philanthropic sector, and community members,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “This interagency collaboration will align national service and turnaround efforts in schools across the country.”

“Making sure that every child gets a quality education is a core value that unites all Americans,” said CNCS Chief Executive Officer Wendy Spencer. “This partnership will expand the role of AmeriCorps members in helping students, teachers, parents, and school administrators transform schools into models of achievement. We welcome new ideas that will result in the same outcome: schools that are putting children on the pathway to success.”

Organizations applying for grants will be encouraged to focus on strategies that increase parent and family engagement and student learning time; improve school safety, attendance, and discipline; address students' social, emotional, and health needs; accelerate students' acquisition of reading and mathematics knowledge and skills; and increase graduation and college enrollment rates.

Public or private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and other community groups; schools or districts; institutions of higher education; cities and counties; Indian Tribes; and labor organizations are eligible to apply, along with partnerships and consortia of these entities.